Memories of this theatre are overwhelming. In the late 50s and early 60s they usually showed three sci-fi-horror films along with a 3 Stooges short and cartoon. Popcorn was cheap. Is there a more convincing portrait of heaven? On the downside, the place was a madhouse, operated for kids and staffed by teenagers. In one case, the projectionist got complaints about low sound levels so he purposely cranked it up full in spite. Teenagers would dance to rock music in the aisle during intermission. It was a glorious, crazy place. In the 70s it became more respectable, usually showing first runs, then it split up into several auditoriums, eventually becoming the combo game board theatre that it is now.

“In 1913 the newly constructed Sunnyside Theatre provided entertainment to a growing Southeast population. Located at 3451 SE Belmont Street, the Sunnyside operated for 22 years.

In 1935 it was renamed the Avalon. As multiplexes became popular, the Avalon’s main auditorium was divided into three theaters.

In 1987 the movie house became the Avalon Theater and Game Room. It continues to provide entertainment for young and old alike, drawing audiences with a combination of low ticket prices, a weekly variety of movies, and a 5-cent video arcade. “
(see View link)

YES! The Avalon is STILL IN OPERATION! I saw the (new) 3-D movie “Shark Boy and Laval Girl” earlier today. It was fun. Plus, once you’re in the theatre, you can play nickle games. Maybe Don Lewis is a “lonely” guy. He should get some friends and go to the movies. Maybe he would be happier getting drunk at Laurlhurst or the Baghdad.

This theater is still in operation, although it has been rmodeled a bit. It currently contains 2 small screens. The old main theater is used as a video arcade now. The website for it is http://www.wunderlandgames.com/